Heart Hand Warmers (Free Pattern)
Tell someone they warm your heart when you give them these heart hand warmers for Valentine’s Day or any other holiday.
If their hands are always cold, these DIY hand warmers will bring the warmth that they need!
The reusable hand warmers are perfect to use both indoors and outdoors.
The hand warmers can be put in the microwave to make a damp heat that is soothing and warming on your hands.
Type of Fabric To Use (This Is Important!)
Because these hand warmers go in the microwave, it is necessary to use fabric and thread that can be heated at high temperatures without melting or catching fire.
Most handmade sewing projects designed for microwave use require only 100% cotton fabric (with no embellishments) and 100% cotton thread.
Polyester, satin and rayon should NOT be used with this sewing project.
Finding 100% cotton thread may be the hardest part. Most threads are polyester, so check the end of the spool label to see what the thread is made of.
Helpful Tip: Glaced Cotton thread is NOT recommended because it is coated with a wax or other type of coating to stiffen the thread which is used in hand-quilting.
This easy tutorial is just one of our many sewing projects to keep you warm.
Homemade Heart Hand Warmers Tutorial
We used pinking shears (one of the different types of sewing scissors) for a decorative look, however you can use normal scissors.
This sewing project is very similar to our DIY hand warmers. Be sure to see that tutorial if you would like more photos.
Supplies
- Two Pieces 6 x 5 inch Cotton Fabric (15 X 13 cm) for EACH Hand Warmer
- Free Heart Pattern Template
- 100% Cotton Thread (Do NOT use Polyester)
- 1/4 Cup Uncooked Rice for EACH Hand Warmer
- Tailor’s Chalk or Water-Soluable Pen
- Scissors
- Funnel (optional)
- Pinking Shears (only needed for the decorative edge method)
- Turning Tool
Instructions
Cut two pieces of 6 X 5 inch fabric for each hand warmer you want to make. For a pair of DIY hand warmers, cut four pieces of fabric squares.
Place the fabric squares together with the RIGHT sides facing out, wrong sides together.
Trace the heart pattern on the top piece of fabric with chalk or a water-soluble pen made for sewing. It is important to NOT use pen or marker because you will see the traced pattern if it does not wash out.
Stitch on the traced pattern line, leaving a gap of about 1 inch open on one of the straight sides. Be sure to backstitch at the beginning and end of your stitching.
Using a funnel, add the rice into the opening of the pouch.
Bring the rice filled pouch back to the sewing machine. Push the rice away from the open seam so that you can get your presser foot to lay flat over the fabric, then sew the open gap closed by continuing to stick over the traced line.
Using pinking shears, cut around the outer edge of the heart, about 1/4 inch from the stitching.
If needed, use a damp cloth to remove the traced pattern that may be showing on the fabric.
How to Use
Place the warmers in the microwave for 15-30 seconds. Time needed will depend on the strength of your microwave.
Be sure to check the temperature before putting in your hands to make sure it’s not TOO hot.
Hold in your hands to absorb and enjoy the warmth.
Reheat as needed.
Helpful Tips (and How to Customize)
- 100% cotton is the best fabric and thread to use because it is safe in the microwave.
- Do not use polyester fabric because it is made with plastic and can melt at high heat.
- Essential oils, dried flowers or dried herbs can be added to the rice mixture to add a pleasant smell when heated.
- Spot cleaning is recommended for the exterior. Allow to dry completely.
- If the fabric pouch needs to be put in the washing machine, open up the stitching, pour out the rice, and launder the fabric. Then add new rice afterwards and re-stitch.
Pin This project to save for later! Find it here on Pinterest.
This easy DIY reusable hand warmers are just one of our sewing projects that cost less than $1.
Want more money-saving zero-waste sewing projects? See these ideas next:
